Muqtada Al Sadr

2020: The Year Ahead – hotspots to watch in the coming year

We look at five countries which might witness dramatic change in the coming year.

Iraqi president offers to step down amid political crisis

Barham Salih says he's "ready to resign" rather than designate Asaad al Edani – the candidate of a pro-Iranian coalition for the post of the prime minister – who he said would be rejected by protesters.

Iran-backed bloc names Basra governor for post of Iraqi PM

The nomination was promptly rejected by Iraqi protesters who want an independent candidate to take over the government, officials said.

Iraq protests resume as political paralysis deepens

Demonstrators block roads and bridges in southern cities by burning tyres to condemn Iran's influence and leaders who have failed to agree on a new premier.

Iraqi officials raise Friday's death toll to 25 protesters

Officials raise the death toll to 25 protesters killed and over 130 wounded while an armed drone hit the home of Iraqi cleric Muqtada al Sadr in Najaf city, sources say.

'Too early to be happy': Iraq’s fate hangs in balance after PM’s exit

Iraqi protesters are concerned whether Prime Minister Mahdi's replacement will be acceptable to the nation, while experts warn that any bold moves by Iran could lead to further bloodshed or worse.

Iraq forces kill 15 protesters as PM opts to resign

Adil Abdul Mahdi says he will step down in response to a call for a change of leadership by the country's top cleric Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, even as more protesters are shot dead in southern Nasiriyah city.

Civil disobedience, not terrorism, is the biggest threat to Iraq’s elites

Iraq's ruling elite fear the unity of the Iraqi people because it directly undermines their divisive rule.

Iraq protests enter third week as death toll nears 300

In the southern city of Basra, seven protesters were killed on Thursday and early Friday, driving up the death toll since October 1 when demonstrations over unemployment began.

Iraqi security forces kill one, wound 200 protesters

Tens of thousands of Iraqis have been protesting, mostly in Baghdad and southern regions, since last month, demanding sweeping change to the political system established after the 2003 US-led invasion.

Pressure mounts on Iraqi PM to step down

Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi insists on a political reconciliation rather than early elections, but the leaders of the two largest blocs in the parliament insist he must step down.

Iraq students join protests, keeping pressure on an embattled government

Iraqis have launched two waves of mass protests this month, calling for the resignation of a government they blame for corruption, economic mismanagement and poor public services.